A Setting Unlike Any Other

Zermatt is one of my favorite places in the world—not so much for the town itself, but for its breathtaking surroundings. Nestled among Switzerland’s highest peaks, with the Matterhorn towering above, this place holds an incredibly powerful energy. The town has become quite touristy, but I prefer to stay just above it, where it’s quieter and you feel more connected to the mountains.

Two Hotels, Two Different Experiences

On my recent trip, I stayed at La Couronne, right in the center of town. What’s special about this hotel is that you can wake up in the morning and see the sunrise over the Matterhorn if the weather is clear. They also have an outdoor pool where you can relax in the evening while watching the sunset. It's a beautiful spot.

Typically, though, I stay at Silvana Mountain Hotel. It’s a little higher up, offering a more peaceful atmosphere and a ski-in, ski-out location. It’s family-run, recently upgraded to a luxury hotel, and has a great wellness area and traditional Swiss restaurant. The best part? You can put your skis on right outside the door and glide straight to the slopes.

Pro Move with Cable Cars

Zermatt’s cable car system is one of the best in the world. You can ride all the way up to Klein Matterhorn ("Little Matterhorn"), which puts you right next to the legendary peak itself. From there, you can hike to an alpine lake or, for the more adventurous, trek all the way to the Matterhorn base camp.

Insider Tip

A new cable car now connects Zermatt to Cervinia on the Italian side, offering stunning views of Mont Blanc and a proper Italian meal with a panoramic restaurant overlooking the mountains.

One of the best experiences is skiing into Italy for lunch, enjoying fresh pasta and a glass of wine, then heading back down into Switzerland.

Beyond Skiing

If you’re not skiing, there’s still plenty to do. The Ice Palace, perched at 12,000 feet, is a surreal experience, with tunnels of ice and intricate sculptures.

Snowshoeing and ski trekking are also popular—climbing up the mountain with skins on your skis before gliding down untouched slopes. If you’re up for a real challenge, Breithorn near Klein Matterhorn is a top spot for this, though a guide is required. And for a completely different perspective, helicopter tours offer an aerial view of the slopes.

Another Must Visit

The Gornergrat ridge is another must-visit area, accessible by a funicular train. It takes you up to the 3100 Kulmhotel and observatory. The views from here are jaw-dropping, stretching across a sea of snow-capped peaks. The hotel is expensive, but even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth the trip up.

A slightly more affordable alternative on the same side is Riffelalp Hotel, which still offers incredible alpine scenery without the hefty price tag.

Another Favorite

After a long day on the mountain, I love to unwind at Whymper Stube. Named after the first British mountaineer to climb the Matterhorn, this cozy restaurant serves traditional Swiss fondue and raclette. It’s warm, inviting, and the perfect way to end the day.

Nightlife in Zermatt

As for nightlife, Zermatt has a mix of luxury and backpacker crowds. While not my thing, there’s definitely a vibrant scene for those who are, with plenty of bars and events catering to both the young, energetic crowd and those looking for a more relaxed or luxe experience.

LEAD-IN IMAGE

Gornergrat, Zermatt, Switzerland -

Photo by Young Shih on Unsplash